PH, Indonesia kick off joint sea patrols

Send off ceremony for BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602) for the CORPAT PHILINDO in Indonesia. Photo courtesy of NFEM

The Philippines and Indonesia on Tuesday launched coordinated border patrols to boost safety and security in the two countries’ common boundary areas.

The operations dubbed as CORPAT PHILINDO XXXII-18 is scheduled on April 10 to 29, the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) said.

The patrols aim “to secure the border areas of the two countries from any illegal activities and enhance the interoperability and foster a harmonious relationship of the two countries.”

BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602) will be the primary vessel from the Philippine Navy to participate. The activities include series of naval trainings, shipboard exercises and coordinated patrols at the Celebes Sea.

The 20-day activity kicked off at Manado, Indonesia, the NFEM said. Courtesy calls, goodwill games and dinner reception are also expected to take place.

“This activity will also pave way for the repatriation of Filipino fishermen who had been apprehended in Indonesia,” the NFEM said. /jpv